New Jersey’s beloved Minor League Baseball franchise is preparing for one of its most exciting seasons yet. The Jersey Shore BlueClaws have officially released their 2026 Promotional Schedule, launching a milestone campaign that celebrates the club’s 25th season at the Jersey Shore with a dynamic lineup of theme nights, fan experiences, giveaways, fireworks, and community-driven events.
With Opening Night scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at ShoreTown Ballpark, the season promises a powerful blend of tradition, innovation, and fan engagement — reinforcing the BlueClaws’ role as one of the most successful and community-focused sports organizations in New Jersey.
As anticipation builds across the Garden State, the announcement signals not just the start of another baseball season, but a celebration of a franchise that has welcomed millions of fans, shaped regional sports culture, and helped define the Jersey Shore’s summer entertainment experience.
A Historic 25th Season at the Jersey Shore
The 2026 campaign marks a major milestone for the BlueClaws organization — its 25th Opening Night at the Jersey Shore. Over nearly a quarter century, the franchise has drawn more than 8.9 million fans to ShoreTown Ballpark, establishing itself as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s sports and entertainment landscape.
The anniversary celebration will feature:
- Special 25th anniversary promotions throughout the season
- Commemorative giveaways honoring the team’s history
- Expanded theme nights and fan experiences
- Community-focused celebrations
- New entertainment programming
Among the highlights is an April 11 celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the team’s first home game, featuring a commemorative ticket giveaway for the first 1,000 fans — a tribute to the franchise’s lasting connection with its loyal supporters.
The anniversary season represents both a celebration of the past and a forward-looking vision for the future of professional baseball at the Jersey Shore.
Opening Night Launches the 2026 Season
Opening Night on April 7 will officially begin the milestone season with a full evening of baseball and entertainment. The event traditionally draws one of the largest crowds of the year, setting the tone for months of summer excitement.
Fans attending Opening Night can expect:
- A festive stadium atmosphere
- Opening season celebrations
- Fireworks and in-game entertainment
- Access to special fan experiences such as fire pit seating
- Community celebrations welcoming the return of baseball
The event serves as a seasonal kickoff not only for the team but for the entire Jersey Shore region’s spring and summer tourism calendar.
Monthly Promotional Highlights Deliver Nonstop Entertainment
The 2026 promotional calendar spans April through August, offering a wide variety of themed events designed to engage families, sports fans, and visitors from across New Jersey.
April: Anniversary Celebrations Begin
The season opens with Opening Night festivities on April 7, followed by the commemorative anniversary event on April 11 celebrating the team’s historic first home game.
May: Family Events and Fan Favorites
May delivers one of the most diverse event schedules of the season, including:
- Touch-Some-Trucks Day and mascot celebrations
- Education Day experiences for students
- Special guest appearances
- Cultural theme nights
- Beach badge giveaways
- Halfway to Halloween festivities
- Bark in the Park for fans and their pets
These events reflect the BlueClaws’ emphasis on family-friendly entertainment and community engagement.
June: Community and Heritage Celebrations
June’s programming highlights regional pride and community recognition through:
- First Responders Night
- Girl Scout Family Night
- Live concert performances
- Irish Heritage Night
- Father’s Day celebrations with post-game on-field activities
The month reinforces the team’s role as a gathering place for community connection.
July: Patriotism, Celebration, and Summer Tradition
July features some of the season’s most anticipated events, including:
- Pride Night celebrating inclusivity
- Red, White & BlueClaws Independence celebrations
- America’s 250th birthday festivities
- Military Appreciation Night
- Christmas in July promotions
These events highlight the BlueClaws’ commitment to celebrating both national heritage and community diversity.
August: Fan Engagement and Season Finale
The season concludes with a series of fan-focused experiences:
- Star Wars Night
- Salute to Heroes events
- Charity and community nights
- Autism Awareness initiatives
- Fan Appreciation Night closing the season
The August schedule emphasizes the organization’s dedication to accessibility and community service.
A Spectacular Fireworks Experience All Season Long
Fireworks remain a signature component of the BlueClaws experience, and the 2026 season includes 14 scheduled fireworks nights. Displays will follow Opening Night, Independence Day celebrations, and multiple summer games — including every Friday beginning May 15.
These events transform ShoreTown Ballpark into one of New Jersey’s premier summer entertainment destinations, blending professional baseball with immersive stadium experiences.
Membership Plans and Ticket Packages Expand Fan Access
To enhance fan engagement, the BlueClaws are offering 5-Game and 10-Game Membership Plans, along with group outings and individual picnic ticket packages for select games.
Membership packages provide:
- Access to the season’s most popular games
- Ballpark dining experiences including hot dogs, beverages, and ice cream
- Boardwalk-style entertainment activities
- Bonus tickets for Opening Night
- Priority seating opportunities
These offerings reflect the organization’s focus on accessibility, ensuring fans can experience professional baseball in a flexible and affordable format.
ShoreTown Ballpark: A Premier Sports Destination in New Jersey
Located in Lakewood, ShoreTown Ballpark has evolved into one of the region’s most recognizable sports venues. The stadium provides an immersive experience combining professional baseball with family entertainment, live performances, and community events.
The venue’s continued success has helped establish the Jersey Shore as a destination for sports tourism, attracting visitors from across New Jersey, New York, and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.
Fans interested in following team news, promotions, and upcoming events can explore additional updates through the Explore New Jersey Jersey Shore BlueClaws section, which highlights the organization’s impact on regional sports and entertainment.
The BlueClaws’ Role in New Jersey’s Sports Culture
Beyond wins and losses, the BlueClaws represent a vital part of New Jersey’s cultural identity. The organization supports youth sports, community programs, charitable initiatives, and regional economic development.
Its success reflects broader trends in New Jersey’s sports landscape, where teams serve as centers of community engagement and shared experience.
The franchise’s ability to attract millions of fans over 24 seasons underscores its lasting connection to the Garden State’s residents and visitors.
A Landmark Season for Baseball at the Jersey Shore
The 2026 promotional schedule signals one of the most ambitious seasons in BlueClaws history. With a milestone anniversary, expanded entertainment offerings, and a full calendar of community celebrations, the upcoming campaign promises to deliver one of the most engaging experiences in professional minor league baseball.
As Opening Night approaches, the Jersey Shore prepares to once again welcome baseball fans, families, and visitors for a season defined by celebration, tradition, and unforgettable moments.
The BlueClaws’ 25th season stands as a testament to the enduring power of community sports — and a reminder that at the Jersey Shore, baseball remains one of the defining experiences of summer.
Promotional Highlights
April
- April 7th – Opening Night at the Jersey Shore (Fire Pits on Sale)
- April 11th – 25th Anniversary of First Home Game with a Commemorative Ticket Giveaway (first 1,000 fans)
May
- May 2nd – Touch-Some-Trucks & Buster’s Birthday
- May 13th – Education Day
- May 14th – Phillie Phanatic Appearance
- May 15th – Medusas de Jersey Shore Kickoff Game
- May 16th – Bluey Appearance (VIP Picnic On Sale)
- May 27th – Education Day
- May 29th – Commemorative Beach Badge Giveaway (first 1,000 fans)
- May 30th – Halfway to Halloween with Ghost Buster Bobble (first 1,000 fans thanks to Taylor Pork Roll)
- May 31st – Bark in the Park (NJ Lottery, 95.9 WRAT, 100.1 WJRZ)
June
- June 4th – First Responders Night (RWJBarnabas Health)
- June 5th – Girl Scout Family Night (Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore)
- June 6th – E-Street Shuffle Performance (Farro’s Tees Summer Concert Series, Fire Pits on Sale)
- June 7th – 6/7 Day with Locals Towel Poncho Giveaway (first 500 kids 12 & under)
- June 20th – Irish Heritage Night with Irish Cap Giveaway (first 1,000 fans thanks to New Jersey Natural Gas), plus The Shantys Performance (Farro’s Tees Summer Concert Series, Fire Pits on Sale)
- June 21st – Father’s Day Celebration with Post-Game Catch on the Field (First Commerce Bank, Individual Picnic Tickets On Sale)
July
- July 2nd – Pride Night – There’s No Place Like ShoreTown
- July 3rd – Red, White & BlueClaws with Fireworks (Individual Picnic Tickets On Sale)
- July 4th – America’s 250th Birthday Celebration with Fireworks (Camping World, Individual Picnic Tickets On Sale)
- July 22nd – Camp Day
- July 23rd – Military Appreciation Night (OceanFirst Bank)
- July 25th – Christmas in July (LTS)
August
- August 5th – Camp Day
- August 7th – Star Wars Night (RWJBarnabas Health, Star Wars Ticket Package on Sale)
- August 8th – Salute to Heroes/Country Night with Tequila Rose Performance (Farro’s Tees Summer Concert Series, Fire Pits on Sale)
- August 20th – BlueClaws Charities Karaoke Night
- August 21st – Scout Night (Scouting America, Jersey Shore Council)
- August 22nd – Splintered Sunlight Performance (Farro’s Tees Summer Concert Series, Fire Pits on Sale)
- August 27th – Liberty Bucket Replica (first 1,000 fans thanks to RWJBarnabas Health)
- August 28th – Autism Awareness Night
- August 29th – Fan Appreciation Night
Fireworks Schedule
The BlueClaws have 14 fireworks nights set for this year, including Opening Night, July 4th, and every Friday starting May 15th!
- April: 7th (Opening Night)
- May: 15th, 29th
- June: 5th, 19th
- July: 3rd, 4th, 24th, 25th
- August: 7th, 20th, 21st, 28th, 29th
BlueClaws Ticket Packages
BlueClaws 5 and 10-Game Membership Plans are currently on sale. Click here for 5-Game Membership Plan information and dates and click here for 10-Game Partial Plan information.
Each of these packages includes the following:
- Tickets to the best games of the year.
- A hot dog, soda, and novelty ice cream at each game.
- A Boardwalk game play at each game.
- Bonus tickets for Opening Night at the Jersey Shore (April 7th).
The BlueClaws have drawn 8.9 million fans to ShoreTown Ballpark in their first 24 seasons. Opening Night is April 7th and tickets are available at BlueClaws.com/Tickets.
